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Production processes were observed, company records and OSHA investigators' reports were reviewed, and company personnel were interviewed at the Parker Hannifin Corporation (SIC-2822) in McAllen, Texas during the latter half of 1978 to determine the cause of hypersensitivity vasculitis among employees who handled uncured rubber O-rings. The evaluation was requested by OSHA to determine the potential hazard to about 150 mold loaders among the 400 company employees. No substance was identified that was present at the facility only during the period of the outbreak, from mid 1977 to early 1978. Production methods and materials used were similar at the company's Berea, Kentucky, and Matamoros, Mexico, facilities, where no purpura outbreaks occurred. Neither sensitizing agents nor the reason that the outbreak ended were determined. The investigators conclude that the cause of the outbreak probably is associated with working as a mold loader, and the most likely exposure route is skin contact with uncured rubber. They recommend measures to minimize skin contact with uncured rubber and continued company surveillance to detect future cases. They note that epidemiologic study was not considered necessary.